Donald Trump boots Ukrainian President Zelensky after fiery clash, cancels press conference and lunch

In an Oval Office showdown straight out of a political reality show, President Donald Trump clashed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in what can only be described as a high-voltage, drama-packed confrontation. The White House meeting, which was supposed to strengthen diplomatic ties, instead turned into a spectacle of shouting, eye-rolling, and, ultimately, an unceremonious exit for Zelensky.

You are not in a position to dictate to us, you have no cards, don't tell us what to do, you are playing with the lives of millions of people and the third world war, you are disrespectful to America. Donald Trump lashed out at President Zelensky ?? pic.twitter.com/ghGW2fluO6

¡ª Fawad Khan (@intofawadkhan5) February 28, 2025

From talks to tension

The meeting started on a seemingly polite note, with discussions around a minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine. But things took a wild turn when Vice President J.D. Vance allegedly accused Zelensky of being ¡°disrespectful¡± and ¡°ungrateful.¡± Trump, never one to hold back, slammed the Ukrainian leader for ¡°gambling with World War III,¡± making it clear that he expected a different kind of attitude from a leader seeking American support.

??#BREAKING Ukraine President Zelenskyy @ZelenskyyUa departing White House, no signing of agreement with President Trump, press conference cancelled ~ @POTUS: "He can come back when he is ready for Peace." pic.twitter.com/bt5qxIFri6

¡ª Pamela Falk Correspondent United Nations (@PamelaFalk) February 28, 2025

Insiders say that the tension in the room could have been cut with a knife as Zelensky¡¯s body language, shrugs, eye rolls, and a less-than-humbled demeanor rubbed Trump the wrong way. The atmosphere exploded into an all-out verbal clash, with Trump reportedly growing so frustrated that he told Zelensky to leave. Within moments, the Ukrainian leader was spotted exiting the White House in a black car, while his delegation scrambled to figure out their next move.

?? Breaking; Zelensky is now leaving the White House without the support of the Country who¡¯s handed him 350 Billion dollars.pic.twitter.com/Q8r6otq9E5

¡ª True Patriot Voice (@TonyMontana5309) February 28, 2025

JUST IN: Zelensky has LEFT the White House after being KICKED OUT by Donald Trump.#Zelensky pic.twitter.com/2saSG3jFiV

¡ª Syed Hasan Imam Zaidi (@Syed_1109084) February 28, 2025

How netizens react

While many are applauding U.S. President Donald Trump for taking a firm stance against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and making his intentions clear, others are mocking Zelensky for his informal attire, arguing that he should have dressed more appropriately for such a significant meeting.

One user on X sarcastically pointed out that even the children Trump surprised during their White House tour were better dressed, writing, "Wow¡ªso nice. And Zelensky couldn¡¯t even be bothered to wear a suit for a historic signing. Those kids had more respect for our White House than he did. Can we get a dress code in place, Dan?"

Wow-So nice.
And Zelenskky couldn't even be bothered to put on a suit for a historic signing.
Those KIDS who President Trump surprised during their White House tour yesterday even had suits on.
Those KIDS had more respect for our White House than Zelenskyy did.
Any chance for a¡­

¡ª ¡â?Alex???????Typos Now 100% Guaranteed! (@AlexBasedXx2) February 28, 2025

Meanwhile, Zelensky also had his defenders, with one user clapping back, saying, "If you actually knew the reason behind it, you¡¯d understand. He¡¯s the commander-in-chief. As he said, ¡®When people in my country stop dying for no reason, I¡¯ll wear a suit.¡¯

What a twat you are. If you knew the reason behind it you would understand. He's the commander and chief. As he said, when people in my country are not dying for no reason, I'll wear a suit.
Cock!

¡ª gary cole (@mrgarycole) February 28, 2025

Lunch for diplomacy? Nope, lunch for the press

The chaos didn't just cancel diplomacy, it also scrapped the lavish lunch prepared for the two leaders. White House staffers, unbothered by the international drama, wasted no time in claiming the uneaten meal. Reporters covering the event soon found themselves munching on what was originally meant to be a high-stakes diplomatic feast. A Fox News correspondent noted that the abandoned spread was left sitting in the hallway, ultimately becoming a buffet for the press team instead of world leaders.

The luncheon with President Trump and his GREAT??TEAM went on this afternoon. With some open seats at 1:30pmEST, President Trump invited some additional team members from the West Wing. Thank you, POTUS & VP!

AMERICA FIRST!!!??? pic.twitter.com/cj2AHWX4aZ

¡ª Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) February 28, 2025

Cancellations & fallout

In the wake of the heated exchange, Zelensky¡¯s schedule in Washington took a major hit. He abruptly canceled a speech at the Hudson Institute. His planned appearance at Ukraine House? Also axed. While rumours swirled that he might use these platforms to regain control of the narrative, Zelensky instead chose silence.

Meanwhile, Trump¡¯s camp doubled down. Republican leaders rallied around him, calling his actions ¡°a bold stand for America.¡± Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Trump for prioritizing U.S. interests, and Senator Lindsey Graham suggested that Zelensky¡¯s behaviour in the meeting raised doubts about whether the U.S. should continue doing business with him.

With tensions running high and a diplomatic mess left in the wake, one thing is clear, Trump is done with what he calls Ukraine¡¯s ¡°disrespect,¡± and Zelensky may have a long way to go before stepping foot in the White House again.